Tell me, what happened to all of the money in the casinos in New Orleans and the rest of the state of Louisiana that were affected by the ruins of the storm and the levee breaks.

It seems as though the media has played up the fact that looters were in the state of Louisiana but the people who commandeered a boat or any other items of support, be it food, water or clothing in other areas were doing it so call legally. I beg to differ with you.

Let's be for real. The media has really shown a one sided view of the city of New Orleans and its people, especially the African American community. I would love for someone to contact me so that I can show them where I lived and the area my parents home to prove that there has not been a true showing of all of the people of New Orleans.

Please don't allow high rise condominiums to be built in Bay St. Louis. We visit there every year and would not want to see a replica of Gulf Shores!

This no surprise to me that the people of Mississippi did not act out like the people of New Orleans. Please don't get me wrong their are good and bad people everywhere. I also live on the gulf coast and have lived through several hurricanes. They are horrible, but when all is said and done all we can do is come together as a community. From what I saw and see today the people of Mississippi did that, the people of New Orleans did not. They either stayed and abused each other, or ran out on their fellow man. Even their own mayor!! I work for a major utility that has been heavily impacted by Katrina. I listen to customers all day. Most in Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida know we are doing all we can, but the people of Louisiana want it done TODAY. Get real Louisiana it was a major disaster. These are the same people that want something for nothing. If you can "vent" at hard working people that are doing their best to get your service back on then you can use that energy in other ways like helping your fellow man!

Please don't build up Bay St. Louis. I had a house there and we went almost every weekend. It was a beautiful city, and if we can build it back the way it was we can continue to enjoy the peacefulness and hospitallity that it offered!

I can only hope that during the rebuilding process that more stringet bldg codes will be in place.Also more blg inspectors will be hired so that one or two insps will not be required to check numerous projects at the same time

My heart and prayers go out to all the good people that were hurt by this terrible storm. The companies and people that were affected will pull themselves together and work together to make the Mississippi Gulf Coast better than it was before. But please remember another storm will hit again. We just do not know when. God bless all you good and brave people.

Heres a neat idea. Sinse Katrina ruined the casino, why not let the money recovered help those ruined by Katrina. Put the money recovered back to work for the people of Mississippi and the gulf coast. Buy more equiptment & hire operators to help move all the debris in Gulf port, Long Beach, Pass Christian all the way to the border. Waveland was basicly destroyed, help those folks out. You don't need to rebuild that area bigger & better. Just rebuild smarter. It's one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Don't let big business ruin it.

I strongly agree with Cheyenne, Florida.

The people of Louisiana, specifically New Orleans, wave the banner of poverty around like a shield, excusing them for their own terrible shortcomings demonstrated during a time of crisis. Their local government failed them and was not held accountable. I know that any mayor of any Florida city who did not act in a timely way to forcibly evacuate citizens in the face of certain peril, would soon be held accountable and would be out of office.

The worst is the brazen, unlawful behavior. It speaks volumes as to the community's standards of ethics and conduct. Why is it claiming poverty today entitles people to waive their resposibility to act with common sense and decency. Even tribes in the Amazon who are uneducated and have no money, act with unity and decency toward each other? Certainly one wouldn't argue that those people involved in the issues of New Orleans have less education or or more impoverished?

I'm certain their will be many liberal viewpoints ready to intellectualize the issue, point fingers and spew anger, but their only sound answer to these problems is more self-dependence and hold local government to higher standards of responsibility. Quit empowering the weak to be weak.

I was also a resident of Bay St. Louis and loved the small town charm..I believe that the quiet beaches keep people coming back home..build the condo away from the beach above the interstate where they will be safe from a storm surge..and leave the beaches to the birds and mother nature..build homes and restore the small business first..

Looting obviously went on in both places, however, to be sure, it was much worse in New Orleans. I live outside of Houston, and am having to live with these "survivors" they are causing such a drain on this area because many of them refuse to work, won't go back to New Orleans to help out. Many of them want it all done for them.

I can understand a certain amount of grieving after such a horrific storm, but it's time to jump up and get of the can and get to work fixing what needs fixing and not waiting for someone to do it for you!

May a better tommorrow be had by all.

I stumbled onto Bay St Louis by accident on one of my trips to Biloxi. After that, it was my favorite place to visit. I always went to the casino Magic there instead of elsewhere because the people who worked there treated you like people & not just another dollar. Customer service was important to the employees, after all the gamblers were the reason they had jobs & they acted like they appreciated you coming there. I hope they build back the casino & the whole town because it was a great place to visit.

This reply is for Cheyenne from Florida. I live south of New Orleans and don't appreciate the comment about "Louisianians" wanting services TODAY. I am waiting patiently for my assistance from where ever it may come. I lost everything I own. I do not like being included in anything about New Orleans either.

We live in an area of Southwest Missouri that was total wiped out in May, 2003. We have been dealing on a reconstruction project through FEMA and SEMA. I will admit that the without the financial help they gave us we would not have been able to rebuild a lot of the properties that had been destroyed. But, it has taken at least 1000 sheets of paper and usually about 1 or 2 phone calls a month the complete the project and we are still waiting on the final check. Why does it take so long? Paper...we have so many sheets of paper that I was forced to buy a plastic box just to keep the information in. What ever happened to the paper reduction act? If we could figure out how to file something without having to make 2 and 3 copies the process could go faster. I hate to think of what some of these people are going through and it was definitely as bad or worse than we had it. Going without a home oar a place to work out of is a very difficult situation. We were only without power for a week. Most of us were lucky enough to have family or another place to stay. Now that it is over and everthing is reconstructed it is better than before. The initial shock is gone and we have moved on.

I grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana and for the past 12 years live in Bay St Louis, Mississippi. I love both of these cities and would never sacrifice neither for the other. New Orleans has it's share of issues as does the Mississippi coast but please don't blame every citizen of the city of New Orleans for the unruly acts of the lawbreaker. There are many beautiful, wonderful, honest people in New Orleans and it's surrounding communities, including my own sister! Many residents of New Orleans settle in
Bay St Louis and nearby coastal areas upon retirement and/or had summer homes here prior to Hurricane Katrina's destruction. Perhaps that explains the casino Magic here in Bay St Louis not being vandalized nor robbed, a lot of native New Orleanians residing here just a different class? Many of my neighbors appreciates and love the city of New Orleans it's character, flair, and charm. As for me personally I visit the Quarter anytime the opportunity presents itself. The history within the Quarter is like no other, so is the structural architecture, and any experience there is sure to prove memorable. The food, culture, and musical talent of New Orleans are without doubt the best....so please "leave New Orleans alone"..... If you must speak out on something, find the good things to speak on. There is ample good in all things, if you only seek it out!

Ditto above letter. We had a place there. I lived there during the week while working. It was my wife's special "get-away" place. The Bay is/was a wonderful place. And no, we don't want to see the beauty denigrated by a bunch of high-rise condos. It can be enticing and beautiful again. It's going to take us people who have a vested interest in it to rebuild it.

I served in the Oklahoma Army national guard and was sent to New Orleans for hurricane Katrina relief. After we arrived, we restored order and helped rescue people. Now its time for the country to continue to help the people of New Orleans in the clean up effort. They can't do it on their own, they need help.

with almost everyone considering condos as the way to go, are the local businesses(casinos)going to provide the pay necessary to live in the condos or are they going to import the tenants. we need jobs with affordable housing. it would be a shame if our officials let the coast become the new Las Vegas Strip

Why do we not hear of all the problems the State of Mississippi and the other Gulf States are having to face? All we seem to hear on the news is about New Orleans and its problems? The reason why is pretty simple;Mississippi is doing it the right way they are helping them selves and not looking for hand outs. Look I truly feel for the folks of Louisiana;I have a lot of family in the state and my heart goes out to the residents of New Orleans,I want the city make a come back for the peoples sake and for my own personal reasons(had many a great times in The Big Easy). With all that said we need to call a spade a spade,The City New Orleans and the State of Louisiana fumbled the ball on this entire disaster. What did they expect when they built an entire city below sea level and rerouted an entire river...and then act surprised when the city floods? The worst part of this entire mess is the overwhelming fact that neither the local or state government officials seem have a single or plausible contingency plan to put in effect for this type of disaster,that they have been made aware of for years could happen. The Army Corps of Engineers have been saying forever that the levies needed to be strengthened or replaced.No instead the Louisiana state,City of New Orleans officials and it residents blast the federal government for poor response times.I say come election time the people of the great State of Louisiana need to elect a new Governor and a Mayor.

All I would like to say is, the people that had their hand out before the storms, still have their hand out. God will not help people, that will not help themselves. Please pray and help our fellow man, including yourself. Remember God is in Control.

My heart goes out to the people along the Mississippi Gulf coast. They are a caring people. My daughter lives in Gulfport and I have visited there and found the area just beautiful. America needs to assist in helping Mississippi get back on her feet.

I wasnt there when the storms hit but i can say that when something like this happens we need to come together as a community and help each other out other wise then what is the purpose of us being a community. When something big happens to us and this is where you see were all the money hungry people come from. They should put there money to good use and help others rebuild!!!!!!!!! Not try and build new condos. Help put people in jobs.

All we have seen or hear about on the news has been about Katrina, Katrina, katrina.
There was little looting, no deaths during Hurricane Rita. You would think it didn't happen to Southwest Louisiana & South East Texas unless you are trying to live here.
We offered shelter to many of the Katrina evacuees who thanked us by damage or destroying the buildings they occupied. It was unfit to use when we needed it.

I to am from Baton Rouge and lost a home that has been in our family for 30 + years. Luckily I was insured but the $ 250,0000 for structure and the $ 100,000 contents coverage will not fully replace my losses. We plan to rebuild bigger and smarter. I do not think that a Gulf Shores approach is the answer. However, property owners are going to have to think outside of the box with smart rebuilding ideas. People like the peacefulness and hospitality which I believe can be retained even with condominium zones. Picture this get rid of the trailers and homes that don't meet basic building codes and rebuild with something that we can all be proud of that will retain the character of the community.

I would rather not have condominiums all over the area!
Also, I tend to believe the reasons that the slot machines were not looted was not necessarily because the people are better. Because good and bad are everywhere. But more likely that they believed all the machines had been emptied well before the storm arrived. It would certainly have made more sense!

Speaking as an Alabamian who had never seen your town until a month ago and seeing past the ruins at how lovely your city had to have been before Katrina ,I hope you rebuild it as it was.I only go now to Gulf Shores on an occasional fishing trip and vacation elsewhere.When it grew its glitter along the beach it lost its shine.

People of Bay St. Louis & Waveland stand together. Don't let "money" (which is the root of all evil) make you give into the greed of others who want to get rich off of the locals and bring more unwanted tourism into the area. You already compromised enough by allowing Casinos there in the first place. How much did casinos really help the area? You still have poverty areas. What have they really done for you? The only people who made money off the casinos were the people who owned the property that they built on. I remember when the casinos first opened and the banks put peoples accounts on hold because they were wiping out there accounts in hopes of getting rich quick. Some people lost homes because they spent all the money that would have paid bills. Many people and lives have suffered because of gambling. That is never talked about. (When I lived there before casinos, I personally voted against them). I have lived in Orlando, Memphis, Mobile, New Orleans and now live near Myrtle Beach. I have spent summers in St. Petersburg, Gulf Shores, Cocoa Beach, Destin, Venice and Sarasota. These places are big cities. More than 8,000 people live there. The condos and resorts are beautiful but you cannot see the water or enjoy the beach. You have to park in certain areas and walk distances to get onto the beach. It is no longer your beach. Constant traffic and tourists. Not anything like you are used to. In Orlando the locals have a "I hate tourist song" they play it on the radio. Ask anyone who lives in these areas that lived there before condos and golf course resorts and they will tell you how much they hate it and wished they would have taken a stand against it. Bay-Waveland rebuilt after hurricane Camille and you can rebuild again. Do not compromise the sanctity of the beautiful small town charm and allure for retirement and quality family life for "money". The rich get richer at the expense of others. They prey on innoccent or naive people in times like these. So many people are here to help you. Just ask or let the public know. We love you!

I regret to say everything happens for a reason. I love my city of New Orleans but it took a hurricane like Katrina to wake the city up. I say that because there was too much wrong going on and not enough good. Crime at all levels from our leaders to the everyday man on the street. Race issues,sexuality issues,and the haves having much,much more than the have nots. It had to come to an end I'm just sorry that this was the outcome. Now New Orleans let's rebuild to make this city an example of how this Nation should be as One.

I cant say I'm sad about the casino damage. Sure, lots of workers lost their jobs, but to think of the damage that casino gaming has done to so many familys takes away any reget from me that the mississippi casinos were destroyed. This is a lesson from God- and I dont believe anyone should try to rebuild them without knowing God's wrath may be just for them.

Out of curiosity, do the owners and managers of the Bay St. Louis casino know if the $1.4 million in cash and $700,000 in coins were really the full value of what was in the cash boxes before the storm hit? Where all the machines and cash boxes accounted for? I find it hard to believe that none were washed away or carried off to other parts of the city.

Yes, Cheyenne, they wanted food, water, and shelter that very day. What a crying shame you weren't there to teach them how to starve with dignity.

Bigger and better! That is what I keep hearing. You know the saying, "bigger isn't always better." I feel that the people of Bay St. Louis and Waveland don't want bigger, they just want to be better.

My husband also works for a major utility co. and he has come in many nights at midnight after 18 hrs days and told me how he was cussed and yelled at by people he was trying to help.

These work men did not cause the loss of services and people sould be appreciative of their long hours and time of away from their families.

These are the same people that lie on the couch all day waiting on their checks (that come from our taxes)or are out selling drugs to your kids.

It would be nice to get the city of New Orleans up and Runing again. But will you Keep the money or the Pay increase the same as it is now,or will they change it later? My House is still now work on and I live in the garden districk

Bay St. Louis was our vacation destination for the last 10 years. We enjoyed the casino and the surrounding area.Bay St. Louis, may you rise again from the ashes.

heres an idea? how about taking that money that was found and using it to continue my health insurance which i lost today. i was a casino magic employee of two and a half years and have been laied off today. im not being greedy or ungrateful that my pay was continued this long. thank you it really helped me out and easied my stresses some. i took my job at the magic for the health insurance. i was going to have my disc problem in my back taken care of the week of the storm and now i cant and wont be able to for a very long time. i am young and working my way through school. it will be very difficult for me to find another job with those kind of benifits not having a degree. where did the money that was taken out of my check for insurance go? also i was at work the night we closed the gaming floor down. why wasnt that money put in the valut? i thought thats where it went. or was that money what was in the vault. we emptied our tables and the slots were supposed to be cleared? what happened? why did i bust my hindparts to get the floor closed down if the money was not taken care of? sorry im just confused. that saturday before the storm was a nervous, crazy night if anyone knows let me know thanks!

I have lived in many states, from Maine to New York to California to Louisiana. I plan on moving to Bay St. Louis soon. I have been spending my weekends and vacations there for two years now. I love the small, quaint town. The people are so friendly. Reminds me of the towns in Maine. I left Louisiana before the storm and went to MS, where I always go when bad weather is headed LA way. We were wiped out -- lost the house and two vehicles, one being mine. But we are still here to talk about it. Our beautiful church, Our Lady of the Gulf, was hit very hard. But we still hold mass every weekend, first outside for a couple of weeks, now in the semi-reconstructed building next to the church. Every one is so nice -- always asking how you're doing. We all help each other. We all care about each other. So much attention was called upon New Orleans and don't get me wrong, I feel for those people who were affected, but Waveland and Bay St. Louis is totally demolished. Financial help is very hard to come by. Some people are still living in tents. We're lucky, we have a FEMA trailer, although very small for four adults, but it beats living in a tent. It will be a very long time before the cities of Waveland and Bay St. Louis are rebuilt, but when it's all over, I believe they will be stronger. People in that area are so caring, I just hope that doesn't change. I can't wait to call Bay St. Louis my home, permanently.

hey grace i have been waiting for someone to make that comment that you just made. thank you! first i want you to know that making the choice to gamble is your choice no one is holding a gun to the mothers and the fathers of these families who are being destroyed. should we blame beer because a man destroyes his family because he drinks it? gambling is like that beer you cant put the blame on the drink. he makes the choice to drink it and he makes the choice to gamble. i want to be very clear on this point god is not punishing mississippi because we have gambling. this storm was not an act of god! if he wanted to punish us because we have gambling why didnt he just go on and take out alantic city, vegas, north mississippi and and any other place with legalized gambling? THIS STORM WAS AN ACT OF NATURE plain and simple. hurricanes happen every year its a roll of the dice as to where they make landfall and not gods punishment. oh and god did give us free will. now let me tell you some of the things that your home wrecking casinos have done for my comunity. created jobs, tourism, cash flow, given money for the public schools, and provided recreation for our hardworking citizens and the elderly. yes you have your bad element as with EVERYTING in life. i want to thank casion magic for giving me a job and benifits, providing a fun work place and giving me a chance to prove myself. my grandfather made the same comment to me right after the storm and it is the only time i have ever talked back to him. i have a real problem with people blaming things like this on god. the next time you make a comment like that listen to your self hear how you sound. i want everyone to know that i belive in god and i am not trying to make anyone angry this is just what i belive. thank you!

please dont blame god for a natural disaster. katrina wasnt punishment from him or a punishment for legalized gambling.

I went to Destin Fla. this summer. Unless you own a condo there,there is no beach access for miles and miles. No place to park. No views of the green waters. Only CONCRETE blocks and traffic jams. The Beachfront should be available for all people to enjoy and not just a few rich people that HOG it up for themselves and then probably do not really benefit from being that close to the Gulf. All residential and commecial buildings should be restricted to the North side of the beach road, or at least 1320 ft from the waters edge, as defined by local standards.I grew up on the coast and have lived all over southern Ms.Al. and Fl. The entire area is at risk and should be managed more carefully.

sue johnson .....we think alike....de ja vu now i don't have to say anymore

We see ads running all over here by one particular developer claiming "we will rebuild!" - over THERE.

He calls himself "Dealmaker". You might call him "wreck your viewmaker" and "pocket all the moneymaker".

Help you guys? Yeah. Right.

I call it exploitation, and you should too.

I'm sure he's not the only one. May your fine town have the good sense to send him packing.

I beg to differ with those who lump gulf shores in with Destin, Orange Beach and other high rise filled beach communities. I have a condo there, across the 2 lane quiet road from the beach, and have a great view of the water. Want to see for yourself? go to www.condosatthegulf.com and click the seahorse tab. Does that look "highrise filled and overpopulated" like these ignorant posts proclaim? Get your facts straight before you slam someones community.

Just had to add to my own comments. Speaking of hurricanes and generosity and the like....I also resent Mr. Rep's remark based on the fact that the residents of Gulf Shores - along with a large number of condo & second home owners in Gulf Shores - gave of themselves wholeheartedly to victims of Katrina. How about showing a class & grace when you speak?!!!!!!!!!!!!

How do idiots get elected as a representative? Rep Taylor knows absolutely nothing about "living in Gulf Shores" since he's obviously never lived here.
I've met some of the nicest people on the face of the earth in Gulf Shores. We have many fine restaurants, shopping facilities, beaches, bays, lagoons, and so much family entertainment that I can't imagine a better place for a family to live.
Gene Taylor needs to think before he speaks.... but more importantly, at least have knowledge about what he is speaking.

What would Rep Taylor know about living in Gulf Shores? I've met some of the nicest people on the face of the earth in Gulf Shores. It's a "family oriented" town with plenty to do for families....
The zoo, plenty of entertainment for the kids, free concerts in the park, lots of beautiful beach, the lagoon, the bays, the canals and rivers. Top it all off with the many fine resaurants and plenty of shopping opportunities and you'll find no better place for a family to live.

As a RESIDENT of Gulf Shores, I am totally offended by the remarks of Rep.Gene Taylor, especially in view of the response of RESIDENTS of Gulf SHores to help Ms. I would like to remind Rep.Taylor that in MS 5 miles inland of the 'Casinos' you find mostly poverty and slums. I live within 5 miles of the Beach and I will put Baldwin Co. up against any County in Ms as
a wonderful place with lovely homes, up to date hospitals, churches,shopping,golf, fishing and boating. We have plentiful accesses for the citizens to the beach. Representative Taylor, you owe the RESIDENTS of Gulf Shores an apology!!

As a RESIDENT of Gulf Shores, I am offended by Cong.Taylor's remarks.Especially after the response to help the people of MS by the RESIDENTS of Gulf Shores. I live within 5 miles of the beach and there are plenty of accesses to the Beach. I will put Baldwin Co.up against ANY Ms. County for facilities,
up to date, hospitals, churches, schools, golf courses. 5 miles from Rep Taylor's CASINOS you will find mostly poor living conditions, infrastructure, etc. Cong. Taylor, you owe the RESIDENTS of Gulf Shores an apology, in my opinion

As a 4th generation Baldwin County resident, I can honestly speak of the overkill of building on our coastline and can only hope that the same thing will NOT happen to the coast of MS. Gone are the days of seeing if the surf is up (unless you live in a beehive--I mean condo) or the beauty of a summer storm out in the gulf. I would just bet that any of the people that are happy with the Gulf Shores look now are "imports", not native. Most people that grew up on the coast, stay away from Gulf Shores now due to the wall to wall concrete. It is very sad. Don't let this happen MS.

I just want to say that in times like that prayer is the answer to all our problems if you would only beleive in him, he is our way maker,provider in the time of need he is always there for us when nobody else is, yeah I know your thinking why did he let this happen well think about it he wanted everybody to see that he aint playing.I beleive that in these times we should have came together insteed of taking stuff that has no purpose it's always going to be here but we aint as you can see. My heart goes out to the New Orleans and Louisiana survivers for being so strong in them selfs bo make it this far because to have to rebuild again is not easy but when you pray to the man up above he'll build what ever where ever and when ever.We have some people in Seattle from New Orleans and Louisiana and thay tell us how it is down there and how happy they are to be in Seattle with running clean water clothes and a car to drive on street that go all the way threw. I know now how thankful I am. I've seen the before and after pictures and it's sad to see that but how can you worry about a rebuilding casino and condos when you hardley have any people left what about jobs thats not the plan worry about peoples homes,schools for the kids and other life long dreams not know casino but that lets you know who's thinking about what and who and it shore aint the people who have nothing left.I have family in New Orleans and they just got out in time but we havent hered from them since Sept.1.Why would you want to rebuild back on water it could happen again people need to know that you just cant start building on something like that it's to soon .Seattle builds stuff on top of water and when another earthquake come It's going to wipe out the whole downtown Seattle and thats not all the whole west side because it's built on top of water you seen the sunommi thats what will happen in Seattle and we aint got know where to go either so I understand.. The only person I can blame is Bush and I might be wrong but look how he handled rita and how they got them people help, food ASAP I dont know if it was a black thang but Ray Charles can see that... If they would of helped them insteed of being scared of them cuz we black it wouldnt have been that bad we would have had the help we needed, but when your waiting for help and it never comes think about what you would do...Pray and put God first in your lifes and you will see the goodness that comes out dont let this be the reason because we all come in the world with nothing and leave with nothing. NObody knows how they feel unless it happens to you....

I'm from a small town just 10 miles north of Sabine Pass, TX. We received a direct hit from Rita which caused severe damage. I remember reading an article in the U.S News and Reports the week after she hit and all I saw was New Orleans re-fludding.
But there was not a word about us. The picture leading the article
showed a broken levee in New Orleans. The article did not even mention
the towns that suffered a direct hit from this category 3 storm. No
mention was made about the timely evacuation orders given before the
Saturday landfall. Not a word was printed about the massive airlift from
the airport Thursday night. No praise was heaped on the local officials
who put their emergency vehicles on ships in the Port of Beaumont to
ride out the fury and who worked their oft-reviewed disaster plans to
the benefit of the residents. Not a single picture from Cameron, Holly
Beach, or Sabine Pass after the storm surge devastated their seashore
communities or of the fleets of school buses taking people to shelters.
There was not even an acknowledgement of the evacuation's casualties in
the bus fire south of Dallas or in the asphyxiations in a Beaumont
apartment. Everything in the magazine was about Katrina.

I don't begrudge the victims of Katrina their media time. Many mistakes
were made there and the lack of coordination among the governments and
emergency response teams should be explored and corrected. But when the
storm hit HERE, our leaders, responders and residents did what they were
supposed to do. That deserves at least a passing note from the national
media. I've yet to see it. We'll have to wait for a local publisher to
tell the complete story of Rita.

KLVI-AM continued broadcasting from Beaumont throughout the storm. One
of the many comments and stories I heard on that station was from a
power company worker who came to this area from New Orleans. That
worker said when his crew arrived in the Rita disaster area, the
residents had already begun clearing debris with their chain saws, no
one here stole their equipment, no one here pulled a knife on them, and
no one in Louisiana offered them water or food. I guess that explains
why the national media doesn't find us newsworthy. If that's the case,
then the self-reliant survivors of Rita will wear that badge with honor.

The difference between Rita and Katrina. Texas and Louisana. Enough said. Except those in mississippi. Leave the casinos in ruin and help the people there.

Grace, God's wrath may unleash itself on North Alabama with the next powerful tornado that falls out of the sky. Please don't start with this "God is gonna get you" because casinos were on the coast. If God was unhappy about everyday things that take place then he/she would take us all out real quick.

Peaches, I totally agree with your comments about the casinos and the connection to God being upset with us so he just destroyed everything good/bad/beautiful/ugly to teach us a lesson. I was upset the first time I heard this stupid idea expressed, I could not have said it better than you. Hope your and your cats are doing OK after what all you have been through these past months. If it weren't for my two and the two dogs I would be a miserable soul. (just remembered a post that you entered about your cats). Hope we don't hear anything else about God and how bad he thinks we are because we have casinos.

I lived in Detroit. If God were a wrathful as some people think, a hurricane would hit Detroit once a week until it was gone. Obviously that hasn't happened, so let's stop thinking for God or speculating what God thinks and let God handle things on His own.

The people of New Oleans that are raising such a fuss about not getting enough help should realize that to move all the equipment to help them takes time and money. What are we supposed to do?, drop all the work that has been started in other parts of the country ie: hwy building and repair and home construction, just to take care of them? While I feel compassion for these people we can't just drop everything at home and move everything to them. Why don't they at least be thamkful that they still can gripe. The alternative is a whole lot worse!

Rep. Taylor, As a native Mississippian and now permanent resident of Gulf Shores, I am totally shocked at your harsh words pertaining to Gulf Shores.
This wonderful city is indeed a GREAT place to live and has a charm and character that can not be found anywhere else. Yes, there are condos that line our beaches, but they are a vital aspect of the economy and character of the area just as the casinos were and will be to the Mississippi Coast.

So Gene, lighten up. Gulf Shores was a very quiet little community prior to Frederic. After that hurricane wipeout...well you know the rest of the story. Somehow I feel Mississippi will follow in the footsteps of other coastal areas and the entire Mississippi Coast will become much different than what we grew up with, appreciated, and loved.

The old family homes are gone. Property owners will now be confronted by developers who will most probably make extremely enticing offers. Owners will look at the offers and weigh the decision to rebuild and wait for the next hurricane or take the money and run. Guess what? Money talks...really loud... and condos will come.

I live in Gulf Shores, AL for over 23 years now, so I know all of the changes that GS has been through. Gulf Shores is not a horrible place to live because of high rises, its horrible because it is such a struggle to live here. As much money as the business owners are making from all the revunue the tourists staying in the high rises, they are greedy and cannot pay anyone a rate to afford to live in Gulf Shores. I have 2 college degrees and I have had at least 2(at the same time, sometimes 3 or 4) jobs since I have been out of school living in GS. If GS and Orange Beach want to be big cities, then they need to pay Big City Salaries, because there sure is Big City rent and mortgages down here.

To everyone that disagreeded w/ me (Grace) that God caused this hurricane: I believe that God is in control of everything. If He could create us, and create the whole universe, he has plenty enough power to control a simple hurricane. Also, God doesnt just do random things. He teaches us through trials, and if we are really His children, we should be able to learn something from this hurricane! I'm just saying, if you say you're a Christian, and don't belive God created this hurricane, and dont believe God sometimes displays His wrath, READ THE BIBLE. Read Psalms 5:4-5. God does have wrath for the wicked, and it is sometimes in His will to destroy them. How can you say you believe in God, yet not believe He is in charge? My heart truly goes out to everyone hurt by this hurricane. My prayers are with each and everyone of you. I had a lot of family in New Orleans and Missisippi who lost everything, so I know how this feels.

God is not to be feared, I dislike the term "a God fearing people". If God would send something as destructive and deadly as a storm like Katrina then it sure isn't the God I would have any belief in.

Why do so many people feel the need to use God as the cause for so many tragedies? I am a nurse and I hear it all of the time, "why did God take my father/mother/sister/ect... a good person, and lets crimminals survive healthy?" and then when justice is served, God gets all the credit for that too, for example- "it was God's wrath that a serial killer died in prison" and most recently, "it's God's wrath that destroyed much of the Gulf coast because of all the sinning" ! When there's no explanation for things, then just use God as a reason, right? If that were the case, then wouldn't one expect all of the world's largest crime capitals to become wiped from the face of the planet? There were and are SO many wonderful things about the Mississippi gulf coast and New Orleans, wonderful people that occupied and continue to occupy these places, it's crazy to believe that God would purposefully destroy these things and people as well! In my job, I have been contracted to work with medicare, in doing so I speak with coastal medicare recipents everday, and most of them use their spirituality and faith as a way to help them through this- Don't go telling them that same faith put them in this situation!

i don't belive God creates hurricanes...because a hurricane is pure evil...belive me i rode one out...but never will again...unless it comes 4 or 500 miles inland

Mary - You are a trooper, incredible story and glad you and family are ok. Time heals all wounds.
Miss you all at C.M. - David Hilbert

I was in Bay St. Louis for 14 days during the month of October. I was working in a kitchen on the parking lot of Winn Dixie. Thank you all for allowing me the opportunity to serve you. What a spirit I saw there. I served as a Southern Baptist worker with the Red Cross. I was able to meet many of you, but was not able to get names and addresses to that I could stay in contact. I would very much like to find an address for the Baptist Church there so that I could contact them to let them know that our church is still praying for all of you, and to ask in what ways we could still help. The church was located on Main in Bay St. Louis. I live in Portland, Or. If someone could drop me a note I would appreciate it.

Thank you.

A friend in Portland, Oregon
Debbie scott

I loved my job and all the people who worked at Casino Magic. I really hope they rebuild and give me the call to come back! My wife and I even liked to visit and spend a few dollars there long before my employment began. It was a fine place for visitors and employees. Here's to the hope that everyone is well and rebuilding their pre-Katrina lives.

louis, i worked in count services at casino magic. yes they do know exactly how much money was there and how much was missing.that without revealing the process, every coin and bill can be accounted for.

How in the world can a casino be a fine place to work? First, it is filled with smoke and second hand smoke causes as much cancer and other medical problems as it does to a smoker. The pay is not that great and profits do not benefit the state to the degree that is causes harm. There are people there who are so addicted and that leads to divorce, bankrupcy as well as crime and even suicide. Homes are lost and debt is incurred that can never be repaid. All consumers will share that lost in one way or another. The pain it causes to families is unbelivable. Please ask me. My now ex-husband of 32 years got addicted and my children and I lived a nightmare. He destroyed his life and dragged us with him.I feel really sorry for employees who feel that they must work for Satan. For them to survive and live, surely they must be aware of the pain that is causes to others. Still after numerous calls to every casino that sends mail to my home for my ex-husband who no longer lives here, they continue to flood my mailbox with their trash mailings. I wish every one of the casinos in MS as well as LA would sink with the RATS onboard. Donna, Baton Rouge, LA

Hello ladies and gentlemen may I please introduce myself. 45% socialist, 55% capitalist is who I am I and I gotta say all of you have a good point on the casino industry.

I agree, casinos have it's pros and cons just like any other businesses. But I will not praise nor criticize the casino industry. Why? Because I would have to criticize any other industry that involves entertainment, making money, and their customers go overboard over their products, services, or events.

I'm originally from Biloxi and I grew up living amongst the casino action all around me. I been to Bay Saint Louis once, but not enough to comment on it because I was really young. But let's look at the casino industry for a minute. When you go to a casino, the first thing you think about is hopefully hitting the jackpot right? I don't know I'm just asking, only you can answer that question. When most people go to a casino the one thing they think about is winning money. That's what a casino is all about. Winning money right? The slot machines, the table games and more. Now, let's look at the majority of people who hate the way casinos operate.

Ask yourself this question: Is it Anheiser-Busch's fault when an irresponsible person drinks too much, get behind the wheel, and kill someone on the street? Is it the porn industry's fault that their entertainment is being viewed by a few perverts out there that get off on our children? Is it Smith & Wesson's fault if a child accidently shoots someone else because he or she was curious about how loud it is or what they see on t.v.? How about this, why don't we just stop blaming consumers who "on their own" purchase these services and products and use them in the wrong way, and blame the industry for even thinking about building or creating them in the first place. How about we stop building automobiles for good because we're more likely to get killed in a traffic accident than in a plane crash because most people in this country don't know how to drive, or better yet, let's blame Marylin Manson, or the video game industry on the situation we're having with our youths because most of our parents don't know how to raise their own kids and when something tragic happens, they don't want to come out like real adults and say "I'm sorry, I skrewed up, made a mistake, I should've talk to my kid",(and back in the days when I was a kid, I used to play Mortal Kombat), back to the casino industry, why don't we blame the casino industry for causing gambling problems because most "ADULTS" that go there don't know how to say "enough is enough" or keep their self-discipline on check by saying "I got this twenty dollars, I'm willing to lose it, it's just a game".

It feels a little better to push the responsiblity off of us, and put it in the hands of someone or something that's used to accepting or receiving most of the blame for such acts. And, one thing that casinos help me see is a lot of people that contradict themselves. Especially people who get involved in the Stock Market. Uh ohh, did I say Stock Market? I think I did....yeah I did. The same people that says casinos is bad, but invest in the stock market and don't know nothing about the stock market I have to say is the biggest contradictive people I could meet. Wall Street is the biggest casino in the world, yet most people(especially the middle-class, no wonder why this particular class is shrinking)bet their ritirement, savings and kid's education in this big gambling hall. And believe it or not, Wall Street, and the casino industry go hand in hand.

Good example, most amateur "I don't know what I'm doing!" investors that invest in Mutual Funds, Roth IRAs and bond funds don't know nothing about investing, they talk to their casino dealers, oops, I meant bankers about hiring an investment manager they hope know more about it than they do. These are the main people that says "investing is risky", and the main people that keeps billions if not trillions of dollars in the stock market. The stock market stays pumped by people's financial ignorance. Same thing with casinos. After the highroller come along and almost clean house of the casino, the casino must replenish their money by attracting amateur gamblers in slot machines and game tables. But they're not going to turn your money away because you don't know how to play. Remember people, this isn't nothing personal, just business. If you don't understand business, keep your job, if you're a professional business person and "you know money" I doubt I'll find your comments on here, I donno. I'll admit, I'm an entrepreneur, but I'm still not business savvy, I'm still learning. One thing I know casinos or any other business don't do, Never mix personal reasons with business reasons.

Let's look at the numbers per se, Almost 70% of revenue generated in casinos is non-gaming related. Can you believe that if you took every last casino out of Las Vegas, they'd probably loose about 36% to 40% of their revenue to people that gambles, but it will still remain the entertainment capital of the world, why, is because it would be foolish to think that most of the money casinos make is coming from slot machines and game tables. Most of the money is made by theatres, shows, hotel accomodations, resorts, restaurants, etc. With amatuer gamers going to casinos to bet their best bet, high rollers are the ones that's making the most money because they know the game. And they hardly go to the casino to gamble! They go in expecting to loose, but they do it for the love of the game. Most people who have gambling problems are already greedy.

But casinos aren't going to shut their doors because you got money problems, that's not their problem, your money problems is your own business, they're just there like any other business "to make money". If it's the case that casinos is bad and it's a sin, every parent should get their kids out of that public school, they should stop driving their cars because casino revenue taxes is partially paying for the road they're driving in, they should remain unemployed, better yet, move....away. I'm serious. I will not use any service from anyone or anything I personally have a problem with. If you don't know anything about how money works in a business prospective at all, don't go to a casino.

Most people have gambling problems because they keep being in denial of their own problems. If I was a gambler (which I used to be) and had a problem, that's my own fault. I'm man enough to admit my OWN fault, not Harrah's, not Isle of Capri, not Wynn, not MGM Mirage, no, ME. And if gambling or casinos is a sin, please show me in the Bible where it says that because I'm willing to learn more, and admit my mistakes. We need to start taking responsiblity for our own action. And the people that's blaming the casino industry on their problems or someone else needs to grow up.

Come on you guys and I'm saying this in a pleading manner. 1992, when the first casino opened in Mississippi, did it help Mississippi? In my opinion, yes, a little bit. We still had our flaws, but it help pump the economy. If casinos still a bad thing, we mind as well shut down every business out there too. And in closing, no one don't force you to do anything you don't want to do. You have a sound mind, how do I know, because I'm looking at your comments. Very mature (some inmature), well spoken, and your giving your opinion. But remember, if you're going to talk about an industry, get your facts from the source. Do not, I repeat, do not get your info from a biased comment from a person who just lost a lot of money and now this industry is bad because of it. It's not McDonald's fault that we're an obesed society (I hope I spelled that right...ohh well), we just need to know how to have self-control.

Man/Woman up ya'll, stop blaming crap, look at yourself in the mirror and change you, aight, peace out. I'm about to go play some blackjack.